Animal lovers should consider swimming with the dolphins off the coast of beautiful Clearwater, Florida. Plan your upclose meeting with the adorable marine mammals with a few tips. If you think you're of average or higher intelligence, you'll be surprised to learn that dolphins are one of the more intelligent mammals. This intelligence helps them relate so well to human beings that they spare humans from fear while swimming. It is said they can sense fear, and will even slow down and swim in a gentler fashion if their human swim mate is afraid.

Swim with the dolphins on Clearwater Beach, located in the Gulf of Mexico and bordered by Tampa Bay. The region is known for pristine, safe beaches and soft, beautiful sand. While many folks believe dolphins are fish, they are, in fact, marine mammals and are closely related in to whales as well as porpoises.

Expect the adventure of a lifetime when you swim with dolphins. Proficient swimmers with avid knowledge of local waters and marine life may opt to set out on their own to swim with dolphins as they pass the shoreline. It is strongly advised, however, that novices hire a company that provides lessons and swimmers to accompany you.

Take a paid tour, but remember that they may involve one of two things. Some tours have their own dolphins and teach people to swim along or hold on to them in a cordoned area. Others prefer more natural methods and provide instruction on shore. They then wait for dolphins to near the shoreline and accompany swimmers out to meet them. This second option is only for seasoned swimmers.

Keep in mind that the following companies offer tours or guides, or can provide additional information about swimming with the dolphins in Clearwater: Clearwater Tours, Florida Dolphin Tours and Dolphin World.

Tip

Hire a guide or visit a company that teaches people to swim with dolphins.

Tip

People who are not proficient at swimming should always wear a personal flotation device when swimming with dolphins.

About the Author

Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer and published author from Portsmouth, N.H. She has authored five books and hundreds of articles and short stories. Her work has appeared various publications, including "Parenting," "Writer’s Digest," "Vacations" and "Discovery Travel." She studied at the University of Maine and later pursued her writing studies through numerous classes and workshops.